Copper Prices Are Climbing—and Ammo Prices Could Be Next

For shooters, rising copper prices can mean a more expensive trip to the range. Copper is a major material in ammunition production, and sustained increases in its cost put pressure on the price of finished rounds.

In September 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported that copper had reached record highs on U.S. and U.K. exchanges, with London copper prices up nearly 18% for the year. That raises an obvious question: how much longer can ammunition prices hold steady?

Why Copper Matters to Ammunition

The connection starts with the cartridge case. Standard cartridge brass has a nominal composition of 70% copper and 30% zinc, according to the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute.

Copper also appears in many bullet jackets, plated projectiles, and solid-copper bullets. Depending on the ammunition’s construction, rising copper costs can affect both the case and the projectile.

Manufacturers buy those materials in large quantities. An increase that looks small on a single round becomes a meaningful expense across a production run.

How Higher Costs Reach the Shelf

The impact usually works its way through the supply chain. Metal suppliers adjust their prices, component manufacturers face higher replacement costs, and ammunition producers pay more for the materials needed for the next batch.

This connection is documented in the industry. Olin, the parent company of Winchester, explains in its 2025 annual report that certain ammunition materials are purchased at exchange-based metal prices plus conversion charges or premiums.

Existing inventory and purchasing contracts can delay the effect. A retailer may still be selling ammunition purchased before the latest increase, while the replacement shipment carries a higher cost. That is why prices can appear steady for a while, then jump when new inventory arrives.

Will Every Caliber Increase the Same Amount?

There is no single percentage that applies to every box of ammunition. Material content, case type, projectile construction, supplier agreements, competition, and demand all influence the final price.

An 18% increase in copper does not automatically mean an 18% increase in ammunition. Copper is only part of the total cost, alongside powder, primers, labor, packaging, and transportation.

Our expectation is that sustained higher copper costs will put upward pressure on ammunition prices as manufacturers replenish components. The timing and size of those increases will vary.

What This Means for Shooters

If you have regular training, range sessions, or a hunting season coming up, plan your ammunition needs and compare the total cost per round. Current inventory may offer better value than future replacement stock, although future prices are never guaranteed.

At Detroit Ammo Co., we want customers to understand what drives ammunition pricing. When the materials inside each round cost more, keeping the finished product at the same price becomes harder.

Copper prices are already climbing. As those costs move through the supply chain, shooters should be prepared for higher ammunition prices.